Slip-Resistant Eyewear System

ABSTRACT

A slip-resistant eyewear system comprising an eyewear frame generally comprises first and second hinges coupled to the eyewear frame which are also coupled to first and second tension adjusters. First and second bows are coupled to first and second tension adjusters. The system may comprise an eyewear retainer comprising a first end configured to couple to the first bow and a second end configured to couple to a second bow such that a tension is maintained on the unitary eyewear retainer when the unitary eyewear retainer extends around a back of a head of a user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under Title35, United States Code, Section 119(e) to U.S. application Ser. No.15/379,394 entitled “Slip-Resistant Eyewear System” filed on Dec. 14,2016 to Loo et al. (issued on Oct. 15, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,444,534)which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/263,266entitled “Slip-Resistant Eyewear System” filed on Sep. 12, 2016 to Looet al. (issued on Jul. 24, 2018 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,031,345), andInternational Application No. PCT/US2016/059586 filed on Oct. 28, 2016which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.62/267,558 filed Dec. 15, 2015, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

Example embodiments in general relate to an eyewear system that resistsslippage or an unintended change in position when worn by a user.

2. Related Art

Physicians, dentists, veterinarians, jewelers, and many otherprofessionals utilize eyewear such as loupes for magnifying an area onwhich they are working. It is commonly known among these professionalsthat loupes are quite heavy even at low magnification powers and canincrease in weight substantially as the magnification power desired bythe user increases. When loupes are attached to a traditional eyewearframe, the weight of the loupes often causes the eyewear to slide orotherwise change position as the user works and moves, which causes theuser to manually readjust the position of the eyewear on the user'sface. This problem is compounded for users who have a flat or lesspronounced nasal bridge which is a common facial characteristic amongcertain ancestral heritages.

Conventional solutions to this problem include attaching a cord or otherstring-like device to the bows of the eyewear frame and securing thecord behind the head of the user to minimize sliding or other movementof the eyewear when in use. This solution, however, leads to hygienicissues as a soft material such as a cord cannot be sanitized to complywith medical and dental sanitization standards and may be touched by theuser throughout the course of patient treatment leading tocross-contamination across patients. Tightening a cord behind the user'shead can also be quite uncomfortable as the cord must be tightenedsufficiently that a great deal of pressure may be applied to the user'sface. While such prior solutions are suitable for lightweight eyewearsuch as, for example, sunglasses, they are not suitable for comfortablysecuring heavier eyewear such as loupes.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to aslip-resistant eyewear system. The slip-resistant eyewear systemincludes various features that individually or in combination preventeyewear from slipping or changing position when worn by a user.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe slip-resistant eyewear system in order that the detailed descriptionthereof may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalfeatures of the slip-resistant eyewear system that will be describedhereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appendedhereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment ofthe slip-resistant eyewear system in detail, it is to be understood thatthe slip-resistant eyewear system is not limited in its application tothe details of construction or to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theslip-resistant eyewear system is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Implementations of a slip-resistant eyewear system may comprise atension adjuster configured to couple to a first hinge of the eyewearframe and a first bow, the tension adjuster comprising a housingconfigured to house an internally threaded barrel that passes at leastpartially through a spring, the internally threaded barrel and thespring configured to seat at least partially within a first end of afirst bow that passes at least partially into the housing and anadjustment screw configured to threadably couple to the internallythreaded barrel to adjust a tension of the first bow. The system mayfurther comprise an angular adjustment screw configured to couple to thefirst hinge of the eyewear such that an angle of the eyewear frame isadjustable relative to the tension adjuster housing and a unitaryeyewear retainer comprising a first end configured to couple to thefirst bow and a second end configured to couple to a second bow suchthat a tension is maintained on the unitary eyewear retainer when theunitary eyewear retainer extends around a back of a head of a user.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features.The unitary eyewear retainer may be configured to detach from the firstand second bows. The system may further comprise an attachment screwconfigured to couple a second end of at least one of the first andsecond bows to at least one of the first and second ends of the unitaryeyewear retainer. The second end of at least one of the first and secondbows and at least one of the first and second ends of the unitaryeyewear retainer may each comprise an attachment opening through whichthe attachment screw passes to couple the second end of the at least oneof the first and second bows and the at least one of the first andsecond ends of the unitary eyewear retainer. The system may furthercomprise a light configured to couple to the eyewear frame. The systemmay further comprise at least one counterweight configured to couple tothe unitary eyewear retainer.

Implementations of a slip-resistant eyewear system may comprise aneyewear frame comprising a first hinge and a second hinge coupled to theeyewear frame, the first and second hinges coupled to first and secondspring-loaded tension adjusters, respectively. The system may furthercomprise a first bow and a second bow coupled to the first and secondspring-loaded tension adjusters, respectively, and an angular adjustmentscrew configured to couple to the first hinge of the eyewear such thatan angle of the eyewear frame is adjustable relative to the firstspring-loaded tension adjuster. The system may further comprise aneyewear retainer comprising a first end configured to couple to thefirst bow and a second end configured to couple to the second bow suchthat a tension is maintained on the eyewear retainer when the eyewearretainer extends around a back of a head of a user.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features. Asecond end of the first bow may be configured to mate within an openingin a second end of the first bow extension element. The system mayfurther comprise an eyewear retainer extension coupled to and extendingfrom at least one of the eyewear frame and the eyewear retainer, theeyewear retainer extension configured to retain the eyewear around aneck of a user when the eyewear retainer is disengaged. The system mayfurther comprise a light configured to couple to the eyewear frame. Atleast one of the spring-loaded tension adjuster and the eyewear retainermay comprise a channel configured to pass a power cord of the lightthere through. The system may further comprise at least onecounterweight configured to couple to at least one of the first andsecond bow extension elements. The system may further comprise anosepiece comprising a nosepiece material configured to couple to abridge of an eyewear frame. The system may further comprise a pluralityof raised protrusions on an end of the first and second bows distal fromthe spring-loaded tension adjusters and configured to mate with aplurality of openings in the first and second bow extension elements,respectively.

Implementations of a slip-resistant eyewear system may comprise aneyewear frame comprising a first hinge and a second hinge coupled to theeyewear frame, the first and second hinges coupled to first and secondtension adjusters, respectively, and a first bow and a second bowcoupled to the first and second tension adjusters, respectively. Thesystem may further comprise an angular adjustment screw configured tocouple to the first hinge of the eyewear such that an angle of theeyewear frame is adjustable relative to the first tension adjuster and aunitary eyewear retainer comprising a first end configured to couple tothe first bow and a second end configured to couple to a second bow suchthat a tension is maintained on the unitary eyewear retainer when theunitary eyewear retainer extends around a back of a head of a user.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features.The system may further comprise an eyewear retainer extension coupled toand extending from at least one of the eyewear frame and the unitaryeyewear retainer, the eyewear retainer extension configured to retainthe eyewear around a neck of a user when the eyewear retainer isdisengaged. The eyewear retainer extension may be configured to detachfrom the slip-resistant eyewear system. The system may further compriseat least one of a first secondary bow extension element and a secondsecondary bow extension element extending from the first and secondbows, respectively, and configured to couple to first and second ends ofthe eyewear retainer extension, respectively. At least one of the firstand second secondary bow extension elements may be configured to matewithin an opening of at least one of the first and second ends of theeyewear retainer extension. A second end of at least one of the firstand second bows may comprise a plurality of notches or protrusionsconfigured to mate with a corresponding protrusion or notch within anopening of at least one of the first and second ends of the unitaryeyewear retainer.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unlessspecifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in thespecification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, andaccustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographersif desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers,to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specificationand claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further,expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explainhow it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clearstatements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is theinventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaningto the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification andclaims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Brief Description of the Drawings or claims is notintended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of[insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases anystructure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even whenthe claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or“step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also reciteany structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, orthat perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define theclaimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limitedonly to the specific structure, material or acts that are described inthe preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and allstructures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function asdescribed in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or thatare well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures,material or acts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference characters, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein. Elements and acts in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been renderedaccording to any particular sequence or embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a slip-resistant eyewear system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a slip-resistant eyewear system inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a slip-resistant eyewear system in accordancewith the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a slip-resistant eyewear system in accordancewith the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a slip-resistant eyewear system in accordancewith the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.

FIGS. 6-7 provide perspective views of exemplary embodiments of aslip-resistant eyewear system.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a light mounted to at least a portion of an eyewearframe.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a first bow of aslip-resistant eyewear system comprising a channel configured to house apower cord.

FIGS. 10-11 depict exemplary embodiments an eyewear retainer of aslip-resistant eyewear system.

FIGS. 12-14 depict exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of atension adjuster.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a removable nosepiece.

FIGS. 16-23 provide various views of a nosepiece comprising a nosepiecematerial.

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a first bow of aslip-resistant eyewear system comprising a clip.

FIGS. 25-27 depict an exemplary embodiment of a first bow and a firstbow extension element of a slip-resistant eyewear system.

FIGS. 28-29 provide an exemplary embodiment of a tension adjuster asshown on a second bow.

FIGS. 30-34 provide cross-sectional views of a tension adjuster.

FIGS. 35-36 depict embodiments of a fasteners of an eyewear retainer ofa slip-resistant eyewear system.

FIGS. 37-39 provide views of a slip-resistant eyewear system in use.

FIG. 40 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a flexible-neck lighting system.

FIG. 41 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a detachable eyewear retainer.

FIGS. 42-43 depict an exemplary structure of an attachment point for thedetachable eyewear retainer of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 provides an example of a slip-resistant eyewear systemcomprising a detachable nosepiece.

FIG. 45 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a detachable nosepiececomprising lower frame overlays.

FIG. 46 provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a detachablenosepiece.

FIG. 47 provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of aslip-resistant eyewear system comprising a detachable nosepiece with alower frame overlay.

FIG. 48 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a detachable eyewear retainer extension.

FIG. 49 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an attachment point of thedetachable eyewear retainer extension of FIG. 48.

FIGS. 50-51 depict an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a light bar.

FIGS. 52-53 depict an exemplary embodiment of a light bar.

FIGS. 54-55 depict an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a counterweight.

FIGS. 56-58 depict an exemplary embodiment of a counterweight.

FIGS. 59-61 and 63 depict an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistanteyewear system comprising a unitary eyewear retainer.

FIGS. 62A-C depict an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising a plurality of detachable unitary eyewear retainers ofvarious sizes.

FIGS. 64-67 depict an exemplary coupling point for an implementation ofa detachable unitary eyewear retainer.

FIGS. 68-69 depict an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem comprising first and second bow extension elements.

FIGS. 70-76 and 80-82 depict alternative embodiments of coupling a bowextension element to a second end of an eyewear bow.

FIG. 77 depicts an alternative embodiment of an unitary eyewearretainer.

FIGS. 78-79 and 83 depict an alternative embodiment of a slip-resistanteyewear system comprising an eyewear retainer extension.

FIGS. 84-86 depict alternative embodiments of coupling an eyewearretainer extension to the slip-resistant eyewear system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of a slip-resistant eyewear system, suitable methodsand materials are described above. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed byapplicable law and regulations. The slip-resistant eyewear system may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit oressential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that thepresent embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative andnot restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are forconvenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, andany reference to more than one component or step may include a singularembodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected orthe like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, fulland/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any referenceto without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contactor minimal contact. As used herein, phrases such as “make contact with,”“coupled to,” “touch,” “interface with” and “engage” may be usedinterchangeably.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention describedthroughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases“exemplary embodiments”, “some embodiments” or other similar languagerefers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment may beincluded in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “exemplary embodiments”, “in someembodiments”, “in other embodiments” or other similar language,throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the samegroup of embodiments, and the described features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

FIGS. 1-7 provide an exemplary embodiment of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem 10 that is designed to remain in place on the face of a userwithout changing position during use. While it is contemplated that thesystem may be used with any type of eyewear, such a system may beparticularly useful when loupes 48 are employed such as those used inthe medical, dental, veterinary, or jewelry industries. While loupes 48may be of various weights, they are generally heavy as compared to theweight of the eyewear frame 32 which results in conventional eyewearsystems sliding downward when the user looks down or changes theposition of the user's head in the normal course of viewing a subject atmagnification. To prevent this from occurring, embodiments of aslip-resistant eyewear system 10 as disclosed herein may comprise one ormore of the elements described throughout this document to retardslippage and retain the eyewear system in a proper position when in use.

Some embodiments of a slip-resistant eyewear system 10 may comprise anosepiece 11 that is configured to mate with or otherwise couple to abridge 14 of an eyewear frame 32. The nosepiece 11 may be detachable asshown in FIG. 15 or alternatively, may be integral to the bridge 14 ofthe eyewear frame 32. FIGS. 16-21 provide rear, front, side, top andbottom views of an exemplary embodiment of a nosepiece 11. As shown, thenosepiece 11 is comprised of a nosepiece material 12 that may be shapedin accordance with the individual facial features of the user. This maybe accomplished by constructing the nosepiece 11 from a moldablematerial or by three-dimensionally scanning the face of a user andmanufacturing the nosepiece 11 to fit the contours of the user's face.This is particularly advantageous when the nosepiece 11 is an element ofa slip-resistant eyewear system 10 that is intended to be worn by a userhaving a flattened or less pronounced nasal bridge, as shown in FIGS.37-39. By customizing the depth, shape, and contours of the portion ofthe nosepiece material 12 that will be in contact with the user's face,the nosepiece 11 allows a wearer with a less pronounced nasal bridge toavoid the presence of a gap between the bridge 14 of the eyewear frame32 and the nasal bridge or other facial surface of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 18-19, the nosepiece 11 may comprise a nosepiecegroove 13 running along at least a portion of the top surface of thenosepiece 11. This nosepiece groove 13 is configured to mate with thebridge 14 of the eyewear frame 32 such that the nosepiece 11 is securedto the eyewear frame 32 when the slip-resistant eyewear system 10 is inuse. While the nosepiece groove 13 is depicted proximal to the front ofthe nosepiece 11 as this configuration keeps the nosepiece 11 fromprotruding excessively past the front of the eyewear frame 32, it iscontemplated the the nosepiece groove 13 may be located anywhere on thetop surface of the nosepiece 11. In some embodiments, it may bepreferable that the nosepiece 11 comprises at least one ventilationopening 40, as shown in FIGS. 22-23, to allow air to pass through thenosepiece 11 to enhance the comfort of the user of the slip-resistanteyewear system 10.

Some embodiments of a slip-resistant eyewear system 10 may comprise atension adjuster 15 coupled to at least one of a first 18 and a secondbow 19 of the eyewear frame 32 as shown in FIG. 9 which depicts anexample of a tension adjuster 15 coupled to a first hinge 16 and firstbow 18 of the eyewear frame 32. Turning now to FIGS. 12-14 which providean exploded view of an example of a tension adjuster 15, the tensionadjuster 15 may comprise a housing 24 within which a first end of thesecond bow 22 at least partially passes. The first end of the second bow22 may comprise a recess 52 configured to seat an internally threadedbarrel 25 and spring 26 therein. The internally threaded barrel 25passes at least partially through the spring 26 as shown in theassembled depiction of FIGS. 28-29. An adjustment screw 27 passes atleast partially into the housing 24, the recessed portion 52 of thefirst end of the second bow 22, and the internally threaded barrel 25within which the adjustment screw 27 threadably couples to theinternally threaded barrel 25. The user may adjust how far into theinternally threaded barrel 25 the adjustment screw 27 passes by turningthe adjustment screw 27 in order to tighten or loosen the tension andcorresponding fit of the slip-resistant eyewear system 10 when worn by auser as shown in the cross-sectional views of the tension adjuster 15 inFIGS. 30-32. The internally threaded barrel 25, spring 26, and recessedportion 52 of the first end of the second bow 22 may be protected by acover 45, through which the adjustment screw 27 may also pass. In someembodiments, the cover 45 may be substantially transparent to allow theuser to see how far the adjustment screw 27 has been tightened or thecover 45 may comprise one or more measurement gradations to aid the userin consistently adjusting both tension adjusters 15 when each bow 18, 19comprises a tension adjuster 15.

In some applications, such as for example, when the eyewear systemcomprises loupes 48, the user may desire to adjust the angle of theeyewear frame 32 relative to the bows 18, 19 and/or tension adjuster(s)15 so as to change the angle at which the loupes 48 or other magnifyinglenses are viewed through without forcing the user to change position orhold the user's head at an uncomfortable angle to properly utilize theloupes 48. This may be accomplished through the use of an angularadjustment screw 28 which passes through an end of the tension adjusterhousing 24 proximal to the hinge 16, 17 of the eyewear frame. As shownin FIGS. 12-14, the housing 24 may comprise a recessed portion thatallows the hinge 17 to be seated therein to minimize how far the tensionadjuster 15 protrudes outward from the user's head. FIG. 38 provides anexample in which the hinge 17 is parallel to the tension adjuster 15 andfirst end of the second bow 22. In FIG. 39, however, the angularadjustment screw 28 has been tightened to hold the hinge 17 at an anglerelative to the tension adjuster 15 and the first end of the second bow22 such that the eyewear frame 32 has been tilted to allow the user tolook through the loupes 48 when the loupes 48 are substantially parallelto the ground rather than angled toward the ground as in FIG. 38. FIGS.33-34 depict cross-sectional views illustrating the positioning of theangular adjustment screw 28 when it is tightened so as to threadablycouple with the hinge 17.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, some embodiments of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem 10 may comprise an eyewear retainer 29 to securely fasten theslip-resistant eyewear system 10 to a user's head so as to preventunintended movement or repositioning of the slip-resistant eyewearsystem 10 when in use. The eyewear retainer 29 may comprise first andsecond bow extension elements 30, 31 extending from a second end of thefirst and second bows 22, 23, respectively. While the first and secondbow extension elements 30, 31 may be integral to the bows 18, 19themselves, in some embodiments, the second end of the first and secondbows 22, 23 are coupled to the second end of the first and second bowextension elements 36, 38, respectively. In order to allow a user toeasily put on and remove the slip-resistant eyewear system 10, theeyewear retainer 29 may comprise first and a second fastening elements50, 51 proximal to a first end of the first and second bow extensionelements 35, 37. While this disclosure contemplates that any appropriatefastening mechanism may be used, such as for example, a magnetic or hookand loop closure, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 35, the firstbow extension element 30 comprises a protrusion 33 proximal to the firstend of the first bow extension element 35 that is received by an opening34 in the second bow extension element 31 that is proximal to the firstend of the second bow extension element 37 when the first ends of thebow extension elements 35, 37 are overlapped to secure theslip-resistant eyewear system 10 when in use. To enhance user comfortwhen the first and second bow extension elements 31, 31 are engaged withone another, the second bow extension element 31 may comprise a recessso that the first bow extension element remains substantially flush withthe remaining portion of the first end of the second bow extensionelement 37 as shown in FIG. 36 rather than overlapping as in FIG. 35.This creates a smooth rather than uneven contact surface with the backof a user's head.

While any acceptable method of coupling the bow extension elements 30,31 to the bows 18, 19 may be utilized, FIGS. 24-27 depict an exemplarymanner of coupling the first and second bow extension elements 30, 31 tothe second ends of the first and second bows 21, 23 which may be used onat least one each of the bows 18, 19 and bow extension elements 30, 31.As shown, the second end of the first bow 21 may comprise a plurality ofraised protrusions 46 which mate with a plurality of correspondingopenings 47 on the second end of the first bow extension element 36 tosecure the first bow extension element 30 to the first bow 18.

Some embodiments of a slip-resistant eyewear system 10 may furthercomprise an eyewear retainer extension 39 that protrudes from theeyewear retainer 29 as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 10. While the user couldremove the slip-resistant eyewear system 10 by merely sliding theeyewear retainer 29 over the user's head, it may be preferable and moreconvenient for the user to avoid continually moving the system over theuser's head. Thus, when the eyewear retainer 29 is fastened behind thehead of a user, when the user desires to remove the slip-resistanteyewear system 10, the user unfastens the fastening elements 50, 51 ofthe eyewear retainer 29 and allows the slip-resistant eyewear system 10to hang from the user's neck by the eyewear retainer extension 39 whichsupports the slip-resistant eyewear system 10 and allows the system torest on the user's chest went not in use. This allows the slip-resistanteyewear system 10 to be easily reengage by the user without the need toslide the system over the user's head.

In some applications, the user may desire additional light to betterilluminate the area that the user is viewing. Accordingly, someembodiments of a slip-resistant eyewear system 10 may comprise a light41 or other source of illumination such as, for example, an LED bulb.FIG. 8 depicts such a light 41 coupled to the eyewear frame 32 proximalto the bridge 14 of the eyewear frame 32, but the illumination sourcemay be located anywhere on the frame 32, such as for example, on oneside of the frame or the other, that allows for appropriateillumination. A light bracket 53 (shown in FIG. 37) may be used tocouple the light 41 to the eyewear frame 32 to allow for adjustment ofthe angle at which the light 41 is positioned relative to loupes 48 orto the work area to which the user's view is directed. If the light 41requires a power source located remotely from the light 41, the powercord 49 of the light may be kept out of the user's way by running thepower cord 49 through a channel 42 on either side of the housing 24 ofone of the tension adjusters 15 as shown in FIG. 8. A clip 44 or otherfastener may be located on the corresponding bow 18, 19 to furthersecure the power cord 49 and the eyewear retainer 29 may furthercomprise an eyewear retainer channel 43 in which the power cord 49 maybe seated to allow the power cord 49 to run behind the back of the user.FIGS. 11 and 35-36 depict the eyewear retainer channel 43 being formedby the fastening elements 50, 51 of the eyewear retainer 29, but anyother suitable location is also contemplated by this disclosure.

It may be desirable for the user to have the ability to adjust the angleor direction of one or more lights 41 on the slip-resistant eyewearsystem 10. Therefore, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 40, theslip-resistant eyewear system may further comprise a flexible-necklighting system comprising one or more flexible-neck lights 54 to allowfor adjustment. The one or more flexible-neck lights 54 may be locatedanywhere on the slip-resistant eyewear system 10, but in someembodiments as shown in FIG. 40, it may be preferable to locate aflexible-neck light 54 along the upper portion of the bow 18, 19 ortension adjustor 15. If the flexible-neck light 54 comprises a powercord 49, the power cord 49 may pass through a channel in the tensionadjustor housing 24 or eyewear retainer 29 as discussed in associationwith other embodiments above. For lights 54 with a very low powerrequirement such as for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), it may bepreferable to use a battery as a power source which may be housed inflexible-neck light base 55 which may be located on the housing 24 ofthe tension adjustor 15, the bow 18, 19, the eyewear retainer 29, or anyother suitable location on the slip-resistant eyewear system 10.

In some embodiments such as that which is depicted in FIG. 41, theslip-resistant eyewear system 10 may comprise a detachable eyewearretainer 29 so that the system may be used without the eyewear retainer29 and eyewear retainer extension 39 or these elements may be used withan alternative slip-resistant eyewear system 10 if repair of the loupes48 is necessary and the user has auxiliary loupes 48 that can be usedwhile the primary item(s) are sent out for repair. While any suitablemethod for attaching the eyewear retainer 29 to the bows 18, 19 may beused, in some embodiments, the second end of each bow 21, 23 and thesecond ends of the first and second bow extension elements 36, 38 maycomprise an opening 56 configured to pass an eyewear retainer attachmentscrew 57 therethrough to secure the eyewear retainer 29 to the bows 18,19.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-47, some embodiments of a slip-resistanteyewear system 10 may comprise a detachable nosepiece 11 which, in someembodiments, may further comprise a lower frame overlay 58 to secure thedetachable nosepiece 11 to the eyewear frame 32. Some suchimplementations may comprise an expander 59 that is used to reduce thethickness of the nosepiece 11. The expander 59 may be made of anysuitable material, but is preferably comprised of a metal, alloy, orother lightweight material of appropriate strength to support theeyewear system on the user's face when in use. In some embodiments, itmay be preferable to encapsulate the expander 59 in a rubber or otherflexible material to enhance user comfort. Use of the expander 59 mayallow for the nosepiece to be purchased in predetermined sizes, clippedto the expander 59, and the angle of the nosepiece 11 relative to theuser's face can then be adjusted using the expander 59. While theexpander 59 may clip directly to the eyewear frame 32, in someembodiments, the expander 59 may be coupled to a lower frame overlay 58which may further comprise a groove 60 in its upper surface that isconfigured to mate with the lower portion of the eyewear frame 32 tosecure the detachable nosepiece 11 to the frame 32 when in use as shownin FIGS. 45-46. The lower frame overlay 58 may enhance user comfort toprevent a rigid eyewear frame 32 from protruding into the face of theuser and may also enhance the safety of the user by serving as asplashguard to prevent biohazardous materials from contacting the eyesof the user.

Some embodiments of a slip-resistant eyewear system 10 may comprise adetachable eyewear retainer extension 39 as shown in FIGS. 47-48. Asdepicted in FIG. 49, the eyewear retainer 29 may comprise an opening 61configured to mate with an eyewear retainer extension end 62 such thatan attachment screw 63 may be used to secure the detachable eyewearretainer extension 39 to the eyewear retainer 29.

As shown in FIGS. 50-53, some embodiments of a slip-resistant eyewearsystem 10 may comprise a light bar 64 for use when lighting is desiredacross a broader visual range than that which may be provided by asingle point source of light. The light bar 64 may comprise any numberof lights 41 which may be adjustable as to their angles and in someembodiments, one or more lights 41 may comprise a flexible neck to allowfor a maximum range of adjustment by the user. The light bar may becoupled to the top of the eyewear frame 32 and may be detachable. Ininstances in which the light bar 64 is not battery operated, the a powercord 49 may run through a channel on the housing of the tension adjustor42 and/or a channel on the eyewear retainer 43. The light bar mayfurther comprise a groove 65 configured to mate with the top of theeyewear frame 32 to secure the light bar when use is desired.

FIGS. 54-55 provide an example of the use of a counterweight 66 on theeyewear retainer 29 to reduce the pressure on the face of a user thatresults from a relatively heavy weight of the loupes 48. By using one ormore counterweights 66 on the eyewear retainer 29, the weight of theloupes 48 can be more properly balanced across the slip-resistanteyewear system 10. In some embodiments, one or more counterweights 66may be clipped or otherwise coupled to the eyewear retainer 29 as shownin FIGS. 54-55. One or more slots 67 may be located in the eyewearretainer 29 to aid in placement of the counterweights 66 and to preventmovement or a shift in positioning when a counterweight 66 is in use.The counterweights 66 may be of different weights and may beinterchangeable to accommodate the user's need to provide counterbalancefor differently weighted loupes 48. FIGS. 56-58 provide an example of acounterweight 66 and how it may be clipped or otherwise secured to theeyewear retainer 29. While any appropriate material may be used, in someimplementations, it may be preferable to use a material such as bynon-limiting example, tungsten, stainless steel, or any other metal oralloy which may be coated with rubber or a similar material to enhanceuser comfort.

FIGS. 59-61 and 63 depict an alternative embodiment of a slip-resistanteyewear system 10 comprising a unitary eyewear retainer 70 that isdesigned to fit around the back of a user's head with a snug enough fitso as to prevent the eyewear system 10 from changing position on theuser's face when in use. Because of differences in anatomy among users,it may be desirable to use a unitary eyewear retainer 70 that isshorter, longer, wider, or narrower than the unitary eyewear retainer 70sold with the slip-resistant eyewear system 10. As such, the unitaryeyewear retainer 70 may be detachable from the first and second bows 18,19 of the eyewear frame 32 such that unitary eyewear retainers 70 ofdifferent dimensions, sizes, or materials, may be substituted to adjustthe fit for optimal user comfort as shown in FIGS. 62A-C. By selecting aunitary eyewear retainer 70 of the correct size, the unitary eyewearretainer 70 should sit at least partially on or under the occipital boneof the user to provide proper fit and best slip resistance when theeyewear system 10 is in use.

While any fastening mechanism that appropriately allows the unitaryeyewear retainer 70 to detachably couple to the first and second bows18, 19 may be used, in some implementations such as those depicted asexamples in FIGS. 64-67, it may be preferable that at least one of thefirst and second bows 18, 19 comprises an attachment opening 56 locatedsubstantially proximal a second end 21, 23 of the at least one of thefirst and second bows 18, 19. This attachment opening 56 may beconfigured to align with a corresponding attachment opening 56 in atleast one of a first and second end 71, 72 of the unitary eyewearretainer 70. An attachment screw 57 may be threadably coupled throughthe aligned attachment openings 56 and secured to couple the bow 18, 19to the unitary eyewear retainer 70. Alternatively, a pin, snap, or otherappropriate fastener may also be used to detachably couple the bows 18,19 to the unitary eyewear retainer 70.

FIGS. 68-69 depict an alternative embodiment of an eyewear retainer 29comprising first and second bow extension elements 30, 31. As shown, theeyewear retainer 29 may be detached from the eyewear frame 32 byremoving the attachment screws 57 to allow for an eyewear retainer ofdifferent size or materials to be coupled to the first and second bows18, 19 to provide optimal user comfort. At least one of the first orsecond bow extension elements 30, 31 comprise a plurality of fasteningelements 69 that correspond to a plurality of mating fastening elements69 on the opposite bow extension element 30, 31. The fastening elementsmay comprise a plurality of protrusions 73 located on the second bowextension element 31 and a plurality of mating openings 74 located onthe first bow extension element 30. Alternatively, the first bowextension element 30 may comprise a plurality of protrusions 73 thatmate with at least a portion of a plurality of openings 74 on the secondbow extension element 31. Such a configuration may allow the user toadjust the desired tension of the eyewear retainer 29 when in use or todisengage the eyewear retainer 29 when use of the slip-resistant eyewearsystem 10 is not desired. While these fastening elements 68 may belocated anywhere along the first and second bow extension elements 30,31, as shown in FIG. 68, it may be preferable to located the fasteningelements 68 substantially proximal the first ends 35, 37 of the firstand second bow extension elements 30, 31.

While the following embodiments may be depicted in the figures ascorresponding to an eyewear retainer 29 or a unitary eyewear retainer70, it is intended that any such embodiments described may be usedinterchangeably with either an eyewear retainer 29 or a unitary eyewearretainer 70 and the term eyewear retainer is intended to encompass botheyewear retainer embodiments regardless of which eyewear retainer isdepicted in the exemplary figures. FIGS. 70-76 provide structuralexamples of possible coupling mechanisms that may allow the eyewearretainer to detachably couple to the first and second bows 18, 19. Asshown, in some embodiments, a narrowed or alternatively-shaped secondend 21, 23 of either or both of the first and second bows 18, 19 may beconfigured to mate with an opening 47 of the second end 36, 38 of thefirst or second bow extension elements 30, 31 in a male-female coupling.Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 80-83, the second end 21, 23 of thefirst or second bows 18, 19 may further comprise a plurality of notches79, grooves, or protrusions configured to mate with a correspondingnotch, groove, or other internal structure within an opening 72 of thefirst or second bow extension elements 30, 31. Depending on which notchor groove the user desires to use to secure the eyewear retainer 29 tothe bows 18, 19, the eyewear retainer 29 may be tightened or loosenedand locked into position according to the user's preferences.

Turning now to FIGS. 78-79, some embodiments of the slip-resistanteyewear system 10 may comprise a secondary bow extension element 76extending from one or both of the first and second bows 18, 19 or thefirst and second bow extension elements 30, 31. The secondary bowextension element 76 may be fixedly or detachably coupled to an eyewearretainer extension 39. As shown in FIG. 78, which depicts a secondarybow extension element 76 coupled to the second end 23 of the second bow19, the eyewear retainer 29 may be detachably coupled to the second bowextension element 31. As shown in FIGS. 84-86, the eyewear retainerextension 39 may be detachably coupled to either or both of a first 77and second end 78 of the eyewear retainer extension 39 using any of thesame coupling mechanisms described above in association with thedetachable eyewear retainer 29 or any other appropriate couplingstructure.

FIG. 77 depicts an embodiment of a unitary eyewear retainer 70comprising an embellishment area 75 into which a logo, manufacturer'sname, or other relevant information may be placed. It should also benoted that the counterweights 66 described above as related to earlierembodiments may also be used in conjunction with any of the embodimentsof an eyewear retainer 20 or unitary eyewear retainer 70 describedherein to provide a counterweighted force on the eyewear retainer 29, 70to additionally prevent slippage of the slip-resistant eyewear system 10when in use.

It is also contemplated that in embodiments in which it is desirable tocouple one or more lights to the eyewear frame 32, in some suchembodiments, an LED or other light 41 may be coupled to the frame 32using a flexible wire having sufficient rigidity to maintain a positiononce a user bends and aims the light where desired.

In places where the description above refers to particularimplementations of a slip-resistant eyewear system, it should be readilyapparent that a number of modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied toother to systems and techniques for slip-resistant eyewear systems.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slip-resistant eyewear system comprising: atension adjuster configured to couple to a first hinge of the eyewearframe and a first bow, the tension adjuster comprising: a housingconfigured to house an internally threaded barrel that passes at leastpartially through a spring, the internally threaded barrel and thespring configured to seat at least partially within a first end of afirst bow that passes at least partially into the housing; and anadjustment screw configured to threadably couple to the internallythreaded barrel to adjust a tension of the first bow; an angularadjustment screw configured to couple to the first hinge of the eyewearsuch that an angle of the eyewear frame is adjustable relative to thetension adjuster housing; and a unitary eyewear retainer comprising: afirst end configured to couple to the first bow and a second endconfigured to couple to a second bow such that a tension is maintainedon the unitary eyewear retainer when the unitary eyewear retainerextends around a back of a head of a user.
 2. The slip-resistant eyewearsystem of claim 1, wherein the unitary eyewear retainer is configured todetach from the first and second bows.
 3. The slip-resistant eyewearsystem of claim 1, further comprising an attachment screw configured tocouple a second end of at least one of the first and second bows to atleast one of the first and second ends of the unitary eyewear retainer.4. The slip resistant eyewear system of claim 3, wherein the second endof at least one of the first and second bows and at least one of thefirst and second ends of the unitary eyewear retainer each comprise anattachment opening through which the attachment screw passes to couplethe second end of the at least one of the first and second bows and theat least one of the first and second ends of the unitary eyewearretainer.
 5. The slip-resistant eyewear system of claim 1, furthercomprising a light configured to couple to the eyewear frame.
 6. Theslip-resistant eyewear system of claim 1, further comprising at leastone counterweight configured to couple to the unitary eyewear retainer.7. A slip-resistant eyewear system comprising: an eyewear framecomprising: a first hinge and a second hinge coupled to the eyewearframe, the first and second hinges coupled to first and secondspring-loaded tension adjusters, respectively; a first bow and a secondbow coupled to the first and second spring-loaded tension adjusters,respectively; an angular adjustment screw configured to couple to thefirst hinge of the eyewear such that an angle of the eyewear frame isadjustable relative to the first spring-loaded tension adjuster; and aneyewear retainer comprising: a first end configured to couple to thefirst bow and a second end configured to couple to the second bow suchthat a tension is maintained on the eyewear retainer when the eyewearretainer extends around a back of a head of a user.
 8. Theslip-resistant eyewear system of claim 7, wherein a second end of thefirst bow is configured to mate within an opening in a second end of thefirst bow extension element.
 9. The slip-resistant eyewear system ofclaim 7, further comprising an eyewear retainer extension coupled to andextending from at least one of the eyewear frame and the eyewearretainer, the eyewear retainer extension configured to retain theeyewear around a neck of a user when the eyewear retainer is disengaged.10. The slip-resistant eyewear system of claim 7, further comprising alight configured to couple to the eyewear frame.
 11. The slip-resistanteyewear system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the spring-loadedtension adjuster and the eyewear retainer comprises a channel configuredto pass a power cord of the light there through.
 12. The slip-resistanteyewear system of claim 7, further comprising at least one counterweightconfigured to couple to at least one of the first and second bowextension elements.
 13. The slip-resistant eyewear system of claim 7,further comprising a nosepiece comprising a nosepiece materialconfigured to couple to a bridge of an eyewear frame.
 14. Theslip-resistant eyewear system of claim 7, further comprising a pluralityof raised protrusions on an end of the first and second bows distal fromthe spring-loaded tension adjusters and configured to mate with aplurality of openings in the first and second bow extension elements,respectively.
 15. A slip-resistant eyewear system comprising: an eyewearframe comprising: a first hinge and a second hinge coupled to theeyewear frame, the first and second hinges coupled to first and secondtension adjusters, respectively; a first bow and a second bow coupled tothe first and second tension adjusters, respectively; an angularadjustment screw configured to couple to the first hinge of the eyewearsuch that an angle of the eyewear frame is adjustable relative to thefirst tension adjuster; and a unitary eyewear retainer comprising: afirst end configured to couple to the first bow and a second endconfigured to couple to a second bow such that a tension is maintainedon the unitary eyewear retainer when the unitary eyewear retainerextends around a back of a head of a user.
 16. The slip-resistanteyewear system of claim 15, further comprising an eyewear retainerextension coupled to and extending from at least one of the eyewearframe and the unitary eyewear retainer, the eyewear retainer extensionconfigured to retain the eyewear around a neck of a user when theeyewear retainer is disengaged.
 17. The slip-resistant eyewear system ofclaim 16, wherein the eyewear retainer extension is configured to detachfrom the slip-resistant eyewear system.
 18. The slip-resistant eyewearsystem of claim 17, further comprising at least one of a first secondarybow extension element and a second secondary bow extension elementextending from the first and second bows, respectively, and configuredto couple to first and second ends of the eyewear retainer extension,respectively.
 19. The slip-resistant eyewear system of claim 18, whereinat least one of the first and second secondary bow extension elements isconfigured to mate within an opening of at least one of the first andsecond ends of the eyewear retainer extension.
 20. The slip-resistanteyewear system of claim 15, wherein a second end of at least one of thefirst and second bows comprises a plurality of notches or protrusionconfigured to mate with a corresponding protrusion or notch within anopening of at least one of the first and second ends of the unitaryeyewear retainer.